Best Online Tuition Services for Maths, English and Science 2026 (UK Teachers Only)

At SHLC Tutors, we specialise in maths tuition. Always have, probably always will. But I get asked constantly: "What if my child needs help with English too?" or "Can you recommend someone for science?"

Fair question. Most families don't need a maths specialist alone. They need proper support across multiple subjects, delivered by people who actually know what they're doing. So I've researched the main multi-subject online platforms that use qualified UK teachers (or at least well-vetted tutors), and here's what I've found.

This isn't an exhaustive list of every tutoring website in existence. It's a practical guide to platforms where you can genuinely get quality tuition across maths, English, and science, with tutors who understand UK curricula and exam boards.

What Makes a Good Multi-Subject Platform?

Before we get into specific platforms, here's what actually matters when you're choosing online tuition:

Tutor qualifications: Are they qualified teachers, undergraduates, or just people who did well at school? This makes a massive difference to teaching quality.

Subject coverage: Can you get help with everything you need, or will you end up juggling three different platforms?

UK curriculum knowledge: Does the tutor understand GCSE mark schemes, know what examiners want, and recognise common mistakes UK students make?

Platform quality: Is the technology reliable? Can you actually see what's being taught? Can lessons be recorded?

Pricing transparency: Do you know what you're paying before you book, or are there hidden fees and complicated subscription models?

Vetting process: How thoroughly are tutors checked? Anyone can claim they're good at maths. Not everyone can prove it.

Now, let's look at the actual platforms.

MyTutor: Current Undergraduates from Top Universities

What it is: MyTutor connects students with current or recent undergraduates from top UK universities. They focus heavily on GCSE and A-level subjects.

Subjects covered: Over 30 subjects including maths, English, all three sciences (biology, chemistry, physics), modern languages, humanities, and more.

Who teaches: Current students or recent graduates from universities like Oxford, Cambridge, Durham, Imperial, and other Russell Group institutions. They're not qualified teachers, but they've just been through the exam system themselves.

How it works: You search for tutors by subject, level, price, and availability. Each tutor sets their own rate. You can read reviews from other students, message tutors directly, and book a free initial meeting before committing to paid lessons.

Pricing: Starts from around £26 per hour at GCSE level. Most tutors charge between £26 and £40 per hour depending on their experience, qualifications, and demand. No subscription fees, you pay as you go.

Platform quality: Lessons happen via MyTutor's own online classroom with an interactive whiteboard. All lessons are recorded so students can watch them back for revision.

Vetting: All tutors go through an interview process and are checked for subject knowledge and teaching ability. They receive training from MyTutor before they start.

Strengths:

• Tutors understand what exams feel like because they took them recently
• Relatable to teenagers (not old enough to feel like another parent)
• Good range of subjects and exam levels
• Transparent pricing
• Strong review system

Weaknesses:

• Tutors aren't qualified teachers, so teaching methods vary
• Quality can be inconsistent (some brilliant, some just decent)
• Less effective for younger children who need more structured teaching
• Limited availability during term time (undergraduates are also studying)

Best for: GCSE and A-level students who respond well to peer mentoring and need subject-specific exam help.

MyTutor is trusted by over 1,300 UK schools, which suggests they're doing something right. Around 95% of students report improved confidence after tuition.

Sherpa: Mix of Qualified Teachers and Experienced Tutors

What it is: Sherpa is an online marketplace specifically focused on connecting students with qualified UK teachers and experienced tutors.

Subjects covered: Maths, English, chemistry, biology, physics, plus some additional subjects. Focuses mainly on core academic subjects.

Who teaches: 43% of Sherpa tutors are qualified to teach in UK schools. The rest have an average of 11 years of professional tutoring experience. This is a higher proportion of qualified teachers than most platforms.

How it works: Browse tutor profiles, filter by subject, level, qualifications, price, and availability. Message tutors, arrange a free 20-minute introductory call, then book lessons if it feels like a good match.

Pricing: Starts from £20 per hour. Average is around £25-30 per hour. Tutors set their own rates. No subscription or platform fees beyond the lesson cost.

Platform quality: Lessons use Sherpa's built-in online classroom with an interactive whiteboard, document sharing, and a code editor for computing subjects. All sessions can be recorded.

Vetting: Enhanced DBS checks verified. Tutors are personally interviewed. Only around 1 in 8 applicants who apply make it onto the platform.

Strengths:

• Significantly higher proportion of qualified teachers than competitors
• Average tutor experience is over 11 years
• Very strict vetting process
• Reasonable pricing for the quality level
• Strong focus on UK curricula and exam boards
• Free introductory meeting with no obligation

Weaknesses:

• Smaller tutor pool than massive platforms like Superprof or Tutorful
• May have less availability at peak times
• Interface is functional but not as polished as some competitors

Best for: Families who want the reassurance of working with qualified teachers or very experienced tutors across multiple subjects.

According to Sherpa's 2025 data, students improved by an average of 2.2 grade points, with confidence levels doubling. 95% of students believed tuition improved their exam results.

Tutorful: Flexible Marketplace with Transparent Reviews

What it is: Tutorful is a large UK-based platform connecting students with tutors across a wide range of subjects. They offer both online and in-person options.

Subjects covered: Extensive range including maths, English, all sciences, languages, humanities, music, and more. One of the broader subject selections available.

Who teaches: Mix of qualified teachers, undergraduates, and experienced tutors. Tutorful verifies qualifications and conducts background checks but doesn't require teaching certification.

How it works: Search and filter tutors by subject, level, price, location (for in-person), and reviews. Message tutors directly. Tutorful offers a "first lesson guarantee": if you're not happy with your first lesson, they'll pay for your next lesson with a different tutor.

Pricing: Typically £15-45 per hour. Tutors set their own rates. Pay per lesson with no subscription.

Platform quality: Uses their own online classroom for video lessons with a shared whiteboard and document tools.

Vetting: All tutors are interviewed and have their qualifications verified. Top tutors are marked as "verified" on their profiles. DBS checks are mentioned but not universally required since many lessons are online.

Strengths:

• Very large tutor pool, so good availability
• Extensive subject coverage
• First lesson guarantee provides reassurance
• Good filtering options to find exactly what you need
• Clear reviews from other parents and students

Weaknesses:

• Variable quality since teaching qualifications aren't required
• So many tutors that finding the right one can feel overwhelming
• Some profiles lack detail or recent reviews

Best for: Families who want maximum choice and flexibility across many subjects and levels.

Explore Learning: Centre-Based and Online for Younger Children

What it is: Explore Learning runs tuition centres across the UK and also offers online tuition. They focus specifically on maths and English for ages 4-16.

Subjects covered: Maths and English only. Also provides 11+ and entrance exam preparation, SATs support, and GCSE maths.

Who teaches: Tutors are usually undergraduates or graduates, not qualified teachers. They receive training from Explore Learning but don't need teaching qualifications. Minimum requirement is grade 6 in GCSE maths and English.

How it works: Structured programmes using Explore Learning's smart learning tool called Compass. In centres, tutors work with up to six children at a time. Online tuition is one-to-one. Sessions are regular (weekly), not ad-hoc.

Pricing: Membership-based from around £149 per month. Prices vary by centre. This covers regular sessions rather than paying per lesson.

Platform quality: Proprietary technology (Compass) that adapts to each child's level. The system asks questions at the right difficulty and tracks progress automatically.

Vetting: All tutors are DBS checked and receive ongoing safeguarding training. They're interviewed and trained by Explore Learning.

Strengths:

• Good for creating consistent learning habits
• Technology is engaging for children
• Progress tracking is excellent
• Ofsted registered centres (in England)
• Works well for primary and early secondary

Weaknesses:

• Only covers maths and English (no science or other subjects)
• Tutors are not qualified teachers
• Monthly membership can feel expensive compared to pay-as-you-go
• In-centre group sessions mean less individual attention
• Not ideal for older GCSE students needing intensive exam prep

Best for: Primary and early secondary students who need ongoing support in maths and English fundamentals, especially those who respond well to gamified learning.

Parents frequently mention increased confidence in reviews. The technology genuinely does make learning more engaging for younger children who might find traditional tutoring boring.

Comparison: Which Platform for Which Situation?

Here's a quick reference guide:

For GCSE/A-level exam preparation across multiple subjects: MyTutor or Sherpa. MyTutor if your child responds well to younger tutors who've just been through exams themselves. Sherpa if you want qualified teachers.

For primary or early secondary ongoing support in maths and English: Explore Learning works well if you want structured, regular sessions with built-in technology. But remember their tutors aren't qualified teachers.

For maximum subject choice and flexibility: Tutorful has the largest selection, though quality varies more.

For families who prioritise qualified teachers: Sherpa has the highest proportion of qualified teachers at 43%, followed by whatever subset of Tutorful tutors hold teaching qualifications.

For tight budgets: Sherpa and MyTutor both start around £20-26 per hour with no hidden fees. Explore Learning's membership model works out more expensive per hour but includes unlimited sessions.

Red Flags to Watch For

Regardless of which platform you choose, watch out for:

Tutors with no reviews: Everyone starts somewhere, but you're taking a bigger risk. If possible, choose someone with at least 5-10 verified reviews.

Inconsistent availability: If a tutor keeps cancelling or rescheduling, that's not sustainable. Find someone with reliable availability that matches your schedule.

Poor communication: If a tutor takes days to respond to messages before you've even booked, imagine how frustrating it'll be once you're paying. Move on.

Unwillingness to discuss teaching approach: Good tutors can explain how they'll help your child. If they're vague or defensive when you ask questions, that's concerning.

Pressure to book multiple lessons upfront: Reputable platforms let you pay per lesson. If someone's pushing you to commit to 10 or 20 sessions before you've even started, be cautious.

Generic lesson plans: Every child is different. If a tutor just follows a standard script without adapting to your child's specific needs, you're overpaying for something you could get from YouTube.

What About SHLC Tutors?

We specialise in maths tuition for GCSE and 11+. That's our thing. We don't try to be everything to everyone because we believe depth matters more than breadth.

However, if you come to us needing maths support, we can absolutely guide you towards quality platforms for other subjects. We're not in competition with multi-subject providers; we complement them.

If your child needs intensive maths preparation for GCSE or 11+ exams, we can help. Check out our main tutoring services, our collection of free past papers, and our mock exam marking service.

For comprehensive guidance on finding the right tutor (whether for maths or other subjects), read our guide on How to Find the Right Tutor for Your Child.

Making Your Decision

Here's what I'd do if I were choosing a multi-subject platform:

Step 1: Identify exactly which subjects your child needs help with and at what level. Don't book tuition "just in case." Focus on genuine gaps.

Step 2: Decide whether you want qualified teachers (Sherpa) or are comfortable with well-vetted undergraduates and experienced tutors (MyTutor, Tutorful).

Step 3: Set a realistic budget. If you need three subjects, that's three different tutors. Work out what's sustainable long-term, not just for one month.

Step 4: Shortlist three tutors per subject. Read their profiles carefully. Check their reviews. Look at their availability.

Step 5: Book free introductory calls with your shortlisted tutors. See how they interact with your child. Trust your instinct.

Step 6: Start with just a few lessons. Don't commit to a term upfront. See if it's actually working before you invest heavily.

Step 7: Track progress properly. If you're not seeing improvement after 4-6 weeks, reassess. Either the tutor isn't right, or the approach needs changing, or perhaps tuition isn't the solution to this particular problem.

The best platform is the one where you find a tutor your child actually connects with, who understands their specific challenges, and who can explain things in a way that makes sense.

Everything else is just logistics.

Good luck finding the right fit. And if you need maths help specifically, you know where we are.

— Aadam, SHLC Tutors